In today’s hybrid work environment, the primary focus for organizations of all sizes is to maintain employee connectivity and engagement. Despite the significant shifts in how we work, effective communication remains a cornerstone of business operations, and Logitech is at the forefront. It’s not merely about productivity; companies vying for top talent must also stay ahead of technological advancements in communication and collaboration to enhance the employee experience. This means that hardware, digital tools, and platforms should facilitate a smooth transition from office to remote work. Flexibility in work location and timing is crucial for knowledge workers and aligns with the World Economic Forum’s ‘Good Work Framework.’ Surveys indicate that 55% of millennials, 54% of Gen X, and 48% of Gen Z employees in the Middle East prefer to choose how they perform their work, with 81% working remotely with their employers’ approval. Ultimately, the goal is to get the work done efficiently.

This new work paradigm has made video collaboration essential, enabling face-to-face interactions regardless of geographical or time zone constraints. However, ensuring equal participation is vital. Logitech’s video collaboration solutions are designed to be easy to set up, scalable, and user-friendly for the hybrid workforce. These solutions promote meeting equity by ensuring that every participant, whether remote or in-office, can be seen and heard equally. Logitech is leveraging AI across its products and software to address hybrid work challenges, particularly through conference room cameras like the Rally Bar, which features an AI-powered Viewfinder that provides a constant room view and counts participants. AI enhances interactions by detecting, framing, and optimizing them, making remote work more immersive and efficient.

In addition to enhancing the meeting experience, Logitech Sync, our intelligent software, provides valuable data and insights on room occupancy and space utilization, aiding organizations in making informed real estate decisions. With the rise of generative AI, Logitech introduced Logi AI Prompt Builder, a free tool that helps users prompt Open AI’s ChatGPT faster and more fluently while maintaining workflow. While we innovate with AI to improve collaboration, our focus remains on human-centric solutions.

One of our latest innovations is the Logitech MeetUp 2, an AI-powered USB conference camera designed for BYOD and PC-based setups in huddle and small meeting rooms. It works seamlessly with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet. The AI-driven video features of RightSight 2 ensure equitable experiences for remote participants by automatically focusing and framing in-room participants. For superior audio clarity, RightSound 2 employs AI-based algorithms to balance voices, filter out unwanted noise, and reduce reverberation in echo-prone rooms.

At Logitech, our responsibility extends beyond AI. Every product, from inception to end-of-life, is designed with human-centered experiences in mind, helping businesses thrive sustainably. We integrate Design for Sustainability (DfS) principles into new product development, assessing environmental impacts at every stage. The Next Life Plastics program is a prime example, where we use post-consumer recycled plastic at scale to reduce our carbon footprint. Remarkably, three in four Logitech products use Next Life Plastics, and 66% are carbon-labeled. The MeetUp 2 Plus, developed with DfS principles, replaces virgin plastic parts with post-consumer recycled plastic, containing 62% recycled material—the highest in the market.

As Gitex 2024 approaches, Logitech is showcasing its innovative AI-driven collaboration solutions and its commitment to environmentally friendly design. Engaging with industry leaders, partners, and customers, we are driving future innovations while deepening our understanding of Middle Eastern market demands.